The Masconomet boys lacrosse team has set the bar high after making it to the MIAA East Division 1 quarterfinals the last two years in a row.

By Jason Brisbois/Wicked Local Boxford

Wicked Local

By Jason Brisbois/Wicked Local Boxford

Posted Mar. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 31, 2013 at 12:47 PM

By Jason Brisbois/Wicked Local Boxford

Posted Mar. 31, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 31, 2013 at 12:47 PM

Boxford

» Social News

The Masconomet boys lacrosse team has set the bar high after making it to the MIAA East Division 1 quarterfinals the last two years in a row.

The coaching staff is hoping that the Chieftains will continue to play at that same high level, despite losing a large number of players from those two teams that faced off with – and lost close matches to – Needham in the 2011 and 2012 postseasons.

“It’s 13 lost, and although quite young, still have half the team back,” said Masconomet boys lacrosse coach

Tom Cobb, who has been coach of the Chieftains since 1999. “What they lack in experience, they more than make up for in dedication and hard work.

“They have all seen the bar that has been set the last few years, and want to continue to prove that our program belongs where it is within the state,” Cobb said. “They are a very dedicated bunch and look forward to an exciting season. We have a number of players across all positions filling big shoes from last season, but they have come in ready to prove their worth.”

Two players of great worth to the program are team captains Dylan Mann and Tighe VanLenten. Mann, a senior, provides experience and is an extremely reliable specialist for faceoffs (Cobb calls him, “one of the best around”), while VanLenten gives the team an experienced netminder after starting for the past three years at one of the most crucial positions on the field.

“Not only are [they] players who dedicate themselves to the causes of the program, but also show that by their leadership both on and off the field,” said Cobb. “They represent both sides of the team and field to help keep the young guys working and positive.”

The defense should be buoyed by returning defensemen Aiden Sears and Corey Tines. Sears waited in the wings last season behind three experienced defenders, and his quickness and strong stick skills will now be in the spotlight, while Tines moves from the midfield to defense. Cobb hopes for great things from the two players, stating, “These two will be the dynamic duo of the defense.”

Another spot on the field that should benefit from a host of experienced players is on attack, with Ben Hoesley, Cam Jung and Max Craig all returning to power the offense.

“They will run the show this season as the veterans and with the most field time logged from last season,” said Cobb. “They are all interchangeable and we expect to see great things.”

The midfield will benefit from returning players Trevor Surette, Henry Behrens, Kevin Gilbert and Harry Cwik. While the foursome saw some time last season on varsity, they are newly minted starters.

“[They] all saw a lot of time last season, but are new starters at the helm of this season,” says Cobb. “All came in very well prepared to help the team be successful.”

Page 2 of 2 - Cobb also sees potential in a number of players whose names may not yet be familiar to fans; by the end of the season, that may very well change.

“Derek Cleveland and Dennis O’Brien are some exciting new sophomore defensemen who are challenging some juniors for the third starting spot on defense,” says Cobb. “Mitchell Godett and Nick Pease are two freshman middies that have shaken up things at the offensive midfield, along with junior Stephan Pease and senior Adam Murphy at the defensive midfield.”

With so many players lost to graduation last spring, Cobb is looking to see how all of the pieces – whether they’re new to the program, or simply new to starting – come together. What hasn’t changed, however, is the expectations that go along with playing for the Chieftains.

“There is a lot to prove this season, and the team has had great success over the past few years and with our entrance to Division 1,” said Cobb. “We have explained that it is now their turn to continue that success.”